Looking for the perfect recipe for merienda? Try this easy classic coffee cake recipe! With just a few simple ingredients, you get a warm coffee treat. Enjoy this comforting cake in every bite!

For more easy breakfast recipes, treat yourself with French breakfast bread or Japanese souffle pancakes!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients
Substitutions & Variations
Storage Tips
FAQs
Classic Coffee Cake Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Coffee cake is one of my favorite cake recipes because it's so easy to make. The ingredients don't take much time to gather. I usually have them available already. Bake time is less than an hour. It's the perfect recipe for beginners to try. Also, it's vegetarian, so it's healthy.

Ingredients

Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:

eggs
oil
milk
vanilla extract
flour
sugar
baking soda
salt
brown sugar
cinnamon

See the recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare the Pan

First, preheat the oven to 350°F. Then, grease a 9-inch cake pan and set it aside.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

Next, add the eggs to a large bowl and mix them.

Add the milk, vanilla extract, and oil, then mix until well combined.

Add the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt.

Then, add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.

Make the Cinnamon Sugar

Next, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.

Make the First Layer

Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Then, use a spatula to spread it evenly.

Add the Cinnamon Layer

Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar over the batter.

Batter mixture poured into the baking pan

Next, gently spread it evenly with a fork.

Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer.

Then, carefully spread it evenly with a spatula.

Lastly, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar evenly over the top.

Bake

Bake at 350°F for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool completely. Then, run a knife around the sides of the pan before removing and slicing.

Serve it warm or at room temperature with coffee or tea!

Coffee cake fully baked and ready to cool

Substitutions & Variations

Ingredient Swap
Replace oil with melted coconut oil, canola oil, or melted unsalted butter.
Variation
Swap milk with almond milk or unsweetened oat milk. It's the easiest way to make the cake dairy-free.
Mistake to Avoid
Don't overmix the cake batter! You'll get a dense cake instead of a soft one.

Storage Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days. Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, wrap each slice well and freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the slices at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Why is it called coffee cake if there’s no coffee?

Coffee cake is meant to be enjoyed with coffee, not made with coffee. It’s a soft, lightly sweet cake with warm cinnamon flavor. It pairs perfectly with your morning drink or merienda.

Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this coffee cake 1 day in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature to keep the soft crumb fresh. You can also slice it before storing for easy serving.

How do I keep my coffee cake soft and moist?

Avoid overmixing the thick batter and do not overbake. Using room temperature ingredients, including large eggs, also helps create a tender texture. Check for a few moist crumbs on a toothpick instead of waiting until the cake becomes dry.

Can I bake coffee cake in a square pan or glass pan?

Yes, you can use a square pan if it is close in size to the pan listed in the recipe. A glass pan may need a slightly different bake time, so start checking the cake early. The top layer should look set before you remove it from the oven.

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Need an easy homemade treat for your afternoon coffee break? This soft cinnamon coffee cake comes together with simple ingredients. This warm, comforting dessert doesn't need any complicated decorating.

Storytelling Time!

I’ve made this coffee cake recipe multiple times! It’s one of my go-to recipes when I want something quick but still feels homemade and special.

It doesn't just look attractive in a glass pan or square pan. The texture comes out soft and tender every time, thanks to the thick batter, sour cream, and large eggs. The top layer can be finished with a crumb topping made with cold butter, plus pecans or walnuts for extra texture.

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Comments

4.39 from 13 votes (7 ratings without comment)